Beginning Tuesday, May 4, the King County Library System (KCLS) will reopen four additional libraries over the course of the next two weeks. The new locations include the Black Diamond, Carnation, Lake Forest Park and Skyway Libraries. Residents may browse collections, use computers, copiers and printers, access Wi-Fi, and get socially-distanced help from staff inside the libraries.
“We share our patrons’ enthusiasm for each reopening milestone, and look forward to adding more locations with in-building access in the coming weeks and months,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum.
With the four upcoming additions, 17 total libraries will now offer modified in-building services. Residents may also continue to use KCLS’ contactless Curbside to Go services at most library locations. Learn more about curbside pickup and printing, outdoor library lockers, external Wi-Fi, surprise bags of books and more at kcls.org/visit. And patrons may still access KCLS online at kcls.org. Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a digital eCard for eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies, digital magazines, research databases, and student and small business resources.
Hours of operation and services vary by location—some libraries offer in-building services only, while others offer a hybrid model with both curbside and in-building. Check your library’s location page at kcls.org/locations to see what is available near you. Contact Ask KCLS for assistance at kcls.org/ask, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.
The new locations will open on the following schedule:
- 5/4/21: Black Diamond (hybrid service) and Skyway Library (in-building service only)
- 5/7/21: Carnation Library (in-building service only)
- 5/18/21: Lake Forest Park Library (in-building service only)
KCLS’ physical spaces and in-building services have been modified to keep patrons and staff safe. Residents are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, and staff ensure that occupancy levels do not exceed state-mandated capacity limits. Masks are required for entry, and libraries are open for a limited amount of time, followed by an hour of cleaning.
KCLS is following Governor Jay Inslee’s Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery plan and Safe Start guidelines throughout their reopening process. KCLS’ comprehensive reopening plan is designed to accommodate fluctuations in phases and public health guidelines. If King County moves back to Phase 2, KCLS will continue to offer their current online, contactless and in-building services, while ensuring that patron capacity is under 25% at all building locations.
